Cassandra Montejano, senior social work student.
In the early hours of morning, before the store opened to the public, Fresno State’s Renaissance Scholars walked the aisles of Macy’s at Fashion Fair Mall, looking for pieces of clothing to build their professional wardrobes.
As part of an established “Dress for Success” partnership between the retailer and the university, all students in the Renaissance Scholars Program received a $300 giftcard to use at the store and a two-hour period in which they could work with a personal stylist to find the best professional attire to fit their personal aesthetics.
Established in 2008, the Renaissance Scholars Program is dedicated to serving Fresno State students who have experienced foster care at any point in their lives or are certified independent youth.
In previous years, Macy’s has also donated to Fresno State’s Clothing Closet (which serves over 1,000 students in an academic year) and hosted in-store campaigns to raise money for the Amendola Family Student Cupboard, which provides no-cost food and hygiene items to students.
Among the students who participated in the shopping experience was Cassandra Montejano, a senior majoring in social work.
Montejano said, “When they told me I was able to shop at Macy’s, I felt very blessed and very grateful — and a little out of my comfort zone. I was looking for a suit for interviews, meetings…I’ve never owned one before, so that was a first. I felt very fancy.”
In addition to her suit, Montejano worked with one of the stylists to find other pants and blouses. Some students in the program also left the store with high-quality shoes, belts and purses.
While Montejano has one semester left before graduating, she is already putting to use her new professional wardrobe, making outfits for her internship with Madera County’s Department of Social Services.
Aspiring to hold a career in child protective services, Montejano has now held her internship with Madera County for about six months. “I enjoy helping people. I enjoy that every day is a different story,” she said.You’re working with the clients to help better themselves…you make connections with people and families…and you walk away with a sense that you did something good.”
Originally from Fresno, Montejano earned an associate’s degree at Fresno City College before pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Fresno State, where she’s found extra support as a member of the Renaissance Scholars Program.
Montejano said, “In talking to my colleagues in the Renaissance Scholars Program, I can connect to them on a deeper level and get a sense of belonging…what I want to do in the future is help other foster kids and [help] kids that feel that they don’t belong, know that they do belong.”
For more information on how to support the Renaissance Scholars Program and other student support services with the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, contact David Hembree at 559.278.5052 or dhembree@csufresno.edu.
